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Auditory Working Memory Mediates the Relationship Between Musical Sophistication and Speech-In-Noise Perception
Hasan Colak1,2, Ester Benzaquén1, Xiaoxuan Guo1
1Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Trends in Hearing
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Musical sophistication enhances speech perception in noise, particularly through auditory working memory (AWM). This suggests music training may improve everyday listening skills by strengthening AWM.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Music Cognition
Background:
- Speech perception in noisy environments (SPIN) is crucial for daily communication.
- Engaging in musical activities is hypothesized to improve SPIN abilities.
- The cognitive mechanisms linking musicality and SPIN perception are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between musical sophistication and SPIN perception.
- To determine if auditory working memory (AWM), verbal working memory (VWM), or non-verbal intelligence mediate this relationship.
Main Methods:
- 203 participants completed assessments for SPIN perception, musical sophistication (Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index), AWM, VWM, and non-verbal intelligence.
- Mediation analyses and structural equation modeling were employed.
Main Results:
- Musical sophistication was positively associated with better SPIN perception.
- AWM fully mediated the relationship between musical sophistication and SPIN perception.
- Non-verbal intelligence partially mediated the relationship, while VWM showed no mediation effect.
- The indirect effect via AWM remained significant even after controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Greater musical sophistication is linked to enhanced ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
- Auditory working memory (AWM) plays a significant role in mediating the benefits of musical sophistication on SPIN perception.
- These findings highlight AWM as a key cognitive factor connecting musicality and auditory processing in daily life.
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